Western Maryland Youth Lacrosse Conference (WMYLC) works with local lax clubs in the western Maryland, West Virginia & Southern Pennsylvania region to provide education and improve the sport for both player, league and families.

The Western Maryland Youth Lacrosse Conference provides a lacrosse league for boys and girls of all ages and experience levels. We are focused on supporting lacrosse in the immediate western Maryland area.

We provide leagues for both indoor and outdoor lacrosse which allows year-round playing opportunities. Our conference provides players with the skills and training necessary to prepare them for higher level play. Many of the high school players today began their playing careers in WMYLC. Many players, in fact, have gone on to play lacrosse at the collegiate level as well.

What is lacrosse?The sport of lacrosse is a combination of basketball, soccer, football and hockey. Known as the oldest sport in North America, lacrosse was played by native American tribes probably for centuries before the first account of it was written in 1636 by a French Jesuit missionary in Canada. Among native Americans, lacrosse was played by tribes throughout the Great Lakes region, and in what is now the southeastern United States, and all along the East Coast, a range which encompasses Maryland.

Lacrosse is played with a stick, the crosse, which is used by the player to throw, catch and scoop the ball. An exhilarating sport, lacrosse is fast-paced and full of action; long sprints up and down the field with abrupt starts and stops, precision passes and dodges are routine in lacrosse.

There are 10 positions on a boy’s team and 12 on a girl’s team. The object of the game is to put a 5 oz. hard-rubber ball into your opponent's net, while keeping your opponent from doing the same to you.

Although similar, Boys and Girls lacrosse are also very different. The main difference is that Girls lacrosse does not allow for any bodily contact whereas the Boys do. Hence the difference in equipment requirements. Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States and has been called the fastest game on two feet. Effective October 1, 2004, Lacrosse became the official team sport of Maryland (Chapter 272, Acts of 2004; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-308).

What is the difference between boys and girls lacrosse?

Boys' lacrosse and girls' lacrosse are completely different games--completely different skills, tactics and strategies. There are different sticks that are used; the boys have a larger pocket than the girls do and defensive boys can use longer sticks. The field setup is different. Boys use protective equipment and padding and can hit each other; girls do not (except for eyewear). Since no protective equipment is used in the girls game rules have been created for safety purposes (shooting space, dangerous propel, are examples) It is definitely not the same game.

What is the difference between INDOOR lacrosse and OUTDOOR lacrosse?

Indoor lacrosse is played on a turf field the size of a hockey rink. There are only 6 players plus a goalie allowed on the field. No body checking is allowed for boys. A minimum number of passes must occur before shooting the ball. Out of bounds are minimized by allowing errant throws to bounce off of the boards surrounding the field. Official league rules may be found at http://www.wmylc.com/rules.html.

Who can play?

Outdoor teams are formed for the following age groups for BOYS: • U15 - 14 years of age or younger as of 8/31/2015 and not in high school• U13 - 12 years of age or younger as of 8/31/2015 • U11 – 10 years of age or younger as of 8/31/2015• U9 - 8 years of age or younger as of 8/31/2015

NEW FOR 2017 Outdoor teams are formed by the following GRADES for GIRLS: • 8th and 7th graders• 6th and 5th graders• 4th and 3rd graders• 2nd and 1st graders​• 1st graders and Kindergartners (1st graders should decide based on experience)

I’ve never played before, is that okay?

Everyone has to start playing sometime!! All conference clubs welcome new players each season and urges everyone to come out and give lacrosse try. They take new players and work very closely with them to ensure that they learn the skills necessary to be successful. Once you start playing, you’ll be hooked!

When do you play?

The outdoor lacrosse season runs from March 1 through early June. The season ends with a large tournament played at a large local venue. One to two practices occur during the week with games played on either Saturday or Sunday.

Indoor lacrosse consists of 2 sessions, Nov/Dec and Jan/Feb. Games are played on Saturday or Sunday with some possibility of having some practices during the week.

Where do you play?

Fields are located throughout the area and are specific to each club in the conference. Fiel

From South: Take Route 15 North to Route 26 East. At first traffic light (at Burger King), turn right. Go to end of the street, make right onto North Market Street (extended) (Route 355). Go about ½ mile, make right turn onto Worman’s Court. Facility is on the left.

From North: Take Route 15 South to left exit for Monocacy Blvd. Stay on Monocacy Blvd. To traffic light at Route 26. Make a right onto Route 26. Go to the next light at Route 355 (Burger King on left). Make left onto Route 355. Go to end of the street, make right onto North Market Street (extended) (Route 355). Go about ½ mile, make right turn onto Worman’s Court. Facility is on the left.

Goalie equipment is different than normal field players equipment. Although Spires does maintain some goalie equipment for use of players wishing to try the position it is suggested that players interested in becoming goalies check with their coach for specific requirements.

How do I sign up?

Registrations for all conference teams are handled directly through them. WMYLC does not have individual signups. Registration for the spring begins on or around December 1st.

Can I help out?

Coaches and volunteers are always needed for this rapidly growing program; please consider volunteering. Experience is not required. Coaching clinics are offered to assist you. Please contact us at Thank you!!!

What if I have questions?

If you have additional questions please send them in an email to please include your name and phone number.